I'm looking for Forgotten Realms novels that would help to familiarize me with the world. I've found that reading the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide hasn't really helped to firm up the geography, politics, factions, etc. Any suggestions?
It has been many years since I read them, but since you are looking for a overview, I would actually recommend the story anthologies over the novels. There are a number of them such as Realms of Magic, Realms of Valor Realms of Infamy, ... of Mystery, ... of the Underdark, ...of the Arcane, and ....of the Deep.
The advantage I see in the anthologies is that you get the perspectives of a number of different authors as well as a wide variety of locations within the realms. I hope this helps.
I highly recommend the Brimstone Angels novels! I can't recommend it enough. To me, at least, it was a riveting read. The first novel is set in Neverwinter in the late years of 4e, so it'll give you a bit of a background on that particular city, and it also goes into great detail of Cormyr in about the third novel. With the protagonist being a hell pact warlock, the novels are fantastic in giving you a taste of devils and the inner workings of the Nine Hells, in regards to warlock deals, political intrigue and its multiverse-spanning game of chess. The novels also give a close look into the life and history of dragonborn, and is the only D&D book to really touch on their eastern kingdom of Tymanther or their ancestral home of Abeir as well. It really makes you appreciate them and their origins so much more. Until I read the Brimstone Angels, I admit I never really cared for dragonborn, but after reading the Brimstone Angels, I can't get enough of them.
So read the Brimstone Angels by Erin M. Evans! If you're looking for a romp around the Sword Coast and beyond, I really can't praise them enough.
I highly recommend the Brimstone Angels novels! I can't recommend it enough. To me, at least, it was a riveting read. The first novel is set in Neverwinter in the late years of 4e, so it'll give you a bit of a background on that particular city, and it also goes into great detail of Cormyr in about the third novel....
So read the Brimstone Angels by Erin M. Evans! If you're looking for a romp around the Sword Coast and beyond, I really can't praise them enough.
Somerton, do you have a source for this? I have been checking used book stores for months trying to obtain a copy.
The best novel series for me was The Song and Swords books by Elaine Cunningham. Starting in Waterdeep it deals with Elf society, the Harpers, and ranges across the realms. Elf shadow is the first book.
I highly recommend the Brimstone Angels novels! I can't recommend it enough. To me, at least, it was a riveting read. The first novel is set in Neverwinter in the late years of 4e, so it'll give you a bit of a background on that particular city, and it also goes into great detail of Cormyr in about the third novel....
So read the Brimstone Angels by Erin M. Evans! If you're looking for a romp around the Sword Coast and beyond, I really can't praise them enough.
Somerton, do you have a source for this? I have been checking used book stores for months trying to obtain a copy.
I got mine from my local library, however they have them on Amazon for the Kindle as well for about $8 USD, if you use the app or device :) Otherwise, I'm sure there's a whole trove of places out on the internet where you can get it!
I'm looking for Forgotten Realms novels that would help to familiarize me with the world. I've found that reading the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide hasn't really helped to firm up the geography, politics, factions, etc. Any suggestions?
It has been many years since I read them, but since you are looking for a overview, I would actually recommend the story anthologies over the novels. There are a number of them such as Realms of Magic, Realms of Valor Realms of Infamy, ... of Mystery, ... of the Underdark, ...of the Arcane, and ....of the Deep.
The advantage I see in the anthologies is that you get the perspectives of a number of different authors as well as a wide variety of locations within the realms. I hope this helps.
I highly recommend the Brimstone Angels novels! I can't recommend it enough. To me, at least, it was a riveting read. The first novel is set in Neverwinter in the late years of 4e, so it'll give you a bit of a background on that particular city, and it also goes into great detail of Cormyr in about the third novel.
With the protagonist being a hell pact warlock, the novels are fantastic in giving you a taste of devils and the inner workings of the Nine Hells, in regards to warlock deals, political intrigue and its multiverse-spanning game of chess.
The novels also give a close look into the life and history of dragonborn, and is the only D&D book to really touch on their eastern kingdom of Tymanther or their ancestral home of Abeir as well. It really makes you appreciate them and their origins so much more. Until I read the Brimstone Angels, I admit I never really cared for dragonborn, but after reading the Brimstone Angels, I can't get enough of them.
So read the Brimstone Angels by Erin M. Evans! If you're looking for a romp around the Sword Coast and beyond, I really can't praise them enough.
Somerton, do you have a source for this? I have been checking used book stores for months trying to obtain a copy.
If you aren't against investing in old stuff, 3.0/3.5 had quite a few source books on things like this.
I personally have
Forgotten Realms Campaign Settings
Faiths and Pantheons
Silver Marches
Lords of Darkness
Unapproachable East
There are many more such as
Underdark
Cormyr
Shadowdale
City of Splendors: Waterdeep
Shining South
Serpent Kindoms
etc etc.
While they are 3.5, the lore still stays intact if not some stats that may apply to notable NPCs
The best novel series for me was The Song and Swords books by Elaine Cunningham. Starting in Waterdeep it deals with Elf society, the Harpers, and ranges across the realms. Elf shadow is the first book.
I got mine from my local library, however they have them on Amazon for the Kindle as well for about $8 USD, if you use the app or device :)
Otherwise, I'm sure there's a whole trove of places out on the internet where you can get it!
Just started reading Brimstone Angels on your recommendation, Somerton. Great start! I'm hooked already.
The old FR comics from the late 80's.
Mystic v3 should be official, nuff said.
Fantastic!! I'm so glad someone else enjoys them as much as I do! Such a good read. Enjoy! :D
Sounds interesting! Any recommendations of where to start with them?
ComiXology is probably your best way of getting them.
The art isn't too great though, the artist ( Rags Morales. ) gets fired 2/3s through the series and replaced.
Mystic v3 should be official, nuff said.